Harassment

Sexual Harassment

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Every member of the University community should be aware that the University is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and that such behavior is prohibited both by law and by the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (hereafter referred to as the SVSH Policy). The University will respond promptly and effectively to reports of sexual harassment and will take appropriate action to prevent, correct and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates the SVSH Policy. See the Title IX Sexual Harassment Prevention website.

Definitions

For detailed definitions of sexual harassment, refer to the SVSH Policy.

Complaint Resolution

An individual who believes that they have been sexually harassed may contact the Title IX Coordinator, 2241 Murphy Hall, 310-206-3417. If a student reports sexual harassment or sexual violence to a responsible employee, as defined under the SVSH Policy, the responsible employee must report it to the Title IX Coordinator. Responsible employees include academic personnel, faculty members, and most other employees who are not defined as a confidential resource under the SVSH Policy.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Inquiries regarding Title IX may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, 2241 Murphy Hall, 310-206-3417, or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Other Forms of Harassment

The University strives to create an environment that fosters the values of mutual respect and tolerance and is free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, and other personal characteristics. Certainly harassment, in its many forms, works against those values and often corrodes a person’s sense of worth and interferes with one’s ability to participate in University programs or activities. While the University is committed to the free exchange of ideas and the full protection of free expression, the University also recognizes that words can be used in such a way that they no longer express an idea, but rather injure and intimidate, thus undermining the ability of individuals to participate in the University community. The University of California Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students (hereafter referred to as Policies) presently prohibit a variety of conduct by students which, in certain contexts, may be regarded as harassment or intimidation.

For example, harassing expression which is accompanied by physical abuse, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person on University property or in connection with official University functions may subject an offending student to University discipline under the provisions of the Policies.

Similarly, harassing conduct, including symbolic expression, which also involves conduct resulting in damage to or destruction of any property of the University or property of others while on University premises may subject a student violator to University discipline under the provisions of Section 102.04 of the Policies.

Further, under specific circumstances described in Section 102.11 of the Policies, students may be subject to University discipline for misconduct which may consist solely of expression. Copies of these Policies are available in the Office of Student Conduct, 1104 Murphy Hall.

Complaint Resolution

One of the necessary measures in our efforts to assure an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect is the establishment of procedures which provide effective informal and formal mechanisms for those who believe that they have been victims of any of the above misconduct.

Many incidents of harassment and intimidation can be effectively resolved through informal means. For example, an individual may wish to confront the alleged offender immediately and firmly. An individual who chooses not to confront the alleged offender and who wishes help, advice, or information is urged to contact the Office of Student Conduct.

In addition to providing support for those who believe they have been victims of harassment, the Office of Student Conduct can help students to consider which of the available options is the most useful for the particular circumstances.

With regard to the Universitywide Student Conduct Harassment Policy, complainants should be aware that not all conduct which is offensive may be regarded as a violation of this Policy and may, in fact, be protected expression. Thus, the application of formal institutional discipline to such protected expression may not be legally permissible. Nevertheless, the University is committed to reviewing any complaint of harassing or intimidating conduct by a student and intervening on behalf of the complainant to the extent possible.